Prior to their first
competitive race in Aspen they had less than two weeks training together. In this short period of time however, the
partnership showed real promise with the pair competing in all four disciplines
and medalling in all including; gold in the Slalom, silver and bronze in the
Giant Slalom, bronze in the Downhill and bronze in the Super G at the IPC World
Cup Finals.

Kelly Gallagher was feeling very optimistic with the partnership
and thinks that Cpl Gary Smith has the appropriate qualities which are needed
to guide her competitively and is hopeful that they can maintain their
partnership for the next Winter Paralympic games which take place in 2018 in
PyeongChang, South Korea.

The guide needs to learn quickly in order to build trust and
rapport with the athlete and their results demonstrate Cpl Smith’s ability to
do this. He says of guiding:
“It’s a challenging yet rewarding experience which requires a lot of
communication and trust but one that I am thoroughly enjoying”.

During this last month the pair have been supported by the wider
Para Snowsports GB staff including a skilled coaching team, physio, sport
psychology and an onsite chef, all which have provided valuable contributions
to their success.

Kelly and Cpl Smith will now compete together at the British
Championships in Tignes, France at the end of March, which will finish off this
season as they look forward to the next two years of preparation with the aim
of participating at PyeongChang Paralympics 2018.